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Vandrevala Foundation

If you are depressed, feel suicidal, have exam anxiety or have a question related to mental health, you can contact Vandrevala Foundation on their 24x7 helpline number. You can talk to the experts in English, Hindi and Gujarati.

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Phobia of Dogs

Question: I have been afraid of dogs since I was a child. Even now I am so scared of them that I don’t even visit my friend’s place because she has a dog. I like them from a distance but can’t go near them. I really want to become better with this fear. What should I do?

Dear Teentalker,

Thank you for reaching out to us about your concern. Having a fear of dogs is so common and so valid. I can understand you’re coming from. It’s okay for you to take your time with becoming desensitized to them. The fact that you are willing to change and work on your fear itself is progress!

Thank you for reaching out to us about your concern. Having a fear of dogs is so common and so valid. I can understand you’re coming from. It’s okay for you to take your time with becoming desensitized to them. The fact that you are willing to change and work on your fear itself is progress!

There are different ways of coping with your phobia. Firstly, I encourage you to reflect on what about dogs scares you. Is it that they can bite, or that they may lick you, or that they may smell you. It can be anything. Try to write these down in a list. Then look at pictures of dogs of all kinds. Start with the small ones and further go onto looking at bigger, furrier dogs and see how you feel. You can also watch videos of them.

Further, once you’re comfortable with virtual media of dogs, try to schedule a time with your friend who has a trusted dog. It’s important to be around a pet of a friend or family member in a trusted and comfortable environment. Tell your friend how scared you are of dogs. Ensure she is aware that you have a phobia that way she can keep the dog near her or on a leash.

Visit her, take a few deep breaths before entering the house and then keep breathing deeply. Initially, just be around the dog from a distance and gradually go closer when you feel comfortable. If you don’t feel ready to pat him/her even go near him/her, that’s completely okay. The fact that you will be present in the same room is enough.

Remember, overcoming a phobia is a process which involves work and resilience. It’s okay if you take your time. Don’t rush yourself into it. Tackle the fear in a systematic and rational manner and just keep breathing through it.

Hope this helps. If you wish to discuss your query further, please chat with us from 11am to 6pm or leave us an offline message.

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Disclaimer: TeentalkIndia does not offer emergency services and is not a crisis intervention centre, if you or someone you know is experiencing acute distress or is suicidal/self harming, please contact the nearest hospital or emergency/crisis management services or helplines.